CATHOLICS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Novena to Saint Monica Saint Augustin et Sainte Monique, 1858 Ary Scheffer (1795–1858) Mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo St. Monica was born into a Christian family in Tagaste, Algeria, across the Mediterranean Sea from Rome, in 332 AD. She married a pagan, a minor Roman government official named Patricius. Chris- tians were few and far between in those days. The marriage was blessed with three children; the oldest and most famous was Augustine. Patricius was not a model husband yet Monica prayed ceaselessly for his conversion. Her sweet piety, patience, and persistence paid off. One day, Patricius accepted baptism but he died a year after. Her son Augustine was a constant concern for Monica. Brilliant and likable, Augustine followed the example of his father. He refused to accept baptism and lived a passionate life with his mistress. For years Monica prayed, fasted, and cried silently for Augustine. God was listening. He heard and finally answered these prayers of this faithful mother. Augustine, abandoning his sinful ways, accepted baptism from St. Ambrose of Milan, on Easter Sunday, 387 AD. Augustine’s mother, St. Monica, died shortly after at the age of 55, secure in the knowledge that her son had heard God’s call and her work on earth was finished. In addition to lapsed Catholics, St. Monica is the patroness of troubled parents, battered wives, de- spondent mothers, widows, and alcoholics. Her feast is celebrated on August 27. Praying the Novena State the day’s intention and then pray the Novena Prayers. NOVENA PRAYERS: Day Three Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine, you perseveringly Today we pray for those who have been hurt by someone in the pursued your wayward son…not with wild threats but with Church. May those of us in the Church today be a source of healing. prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so (Pray Novena Prayers) that they may learn to draw their children to God. Day Four Teach us to remain close to all God’s children, even the prodigal Today we pray for those who take issue with the Church’s teachings. sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray. May the Holy Spirit open their hearts and minds to the truth and Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows wisdom of those teachings. (Pray Novena Prayers) pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, Day Five you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Today we pray for those whose sins make them feel unworthy to come Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. to God. May they feel the warm embrace of Our Father’s loving forgiveness. (Pray Novena Prayers) Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. In- tercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my Day Six plea for (names of those you are praying for) and grant me the grace Today we pray for all those who believe in their hearts but are fearful to accept His will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, of judgment or institutions. May they find the support and joy of in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen. belonging to our Church community. (Pray Novena Prayers) Pray Hail Mary 3 times Day Seven Pray Glory Be 3 times Today we pray for those who are resisting Your call due to pressures St. Monica, pray for us from friends and family members. May the Holy Spirit give them strength in their convictions and may the Holy Spirit fill the hearts of their friends and family with love and support. (Pray Novena Prayers) INTENTIONS Day One Day Eight Today we pray for all God’s people currently absent from our Home. Today we pray for those who feel abandoned by God. May they come May the Holy Spirit open their ears and hearts so they may hear this to see God working in their lives, restore their faith in Him, and come invitation to come home. (Pray Novena Prayers) home to His church. (Pray Novena Prayers) Day Nine Day Two Today we pray for those who are ready to come home and just need Today we pray for those who were baptized Catholic, but were not to be invited. May the Holy Spirit open our hearts and eyes to them blessed with families to guide them to spiritual maturity. May the that we may be the inviting and welcoming presence they seek. (Pray Holy Spirit guide them back to our Catholic family. (Pray Novena Novena Prayers) Prayers) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 6306 Kenwood Ave. • Dallas, Texas 75214 www.stthomasaquinas.org.